U.S. stock futures start 2007 on firm footing

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- U.S. stock futures rose sharply to start the new year in light electronic trading, as investors viewed strong sales data from Wal-Mart over the weekend as a sign that the holiday shopping season was better than expected. See full story.

Currencies: Dollar slips against major rivals

LONDON (MarketWatch) -- The dollar sagged against major rivals on Tuesday, as investors fretted that the Federal Reserve may have to cut interest rates if the U.S. economy shows signs of slowing further. See full story.

Google, Earthlink near deal for San Francisco wireless net

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- After months of negotiations, sources said Tuesday that Internet search leader Google Inc. and partner Earthlink, the Internet service provider, are "very close" to finalizing terms of a deal to build a San Francisco-wide wireless Internet network. See full story.

IPO Report: Venture-backed IPOs perking up in 2007

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The number of venture-backed initial public offerings awaiting their stock market debut more than doubled at the start of 2007 with a tech filing from Omneon Video Networks marking a late-entry addition to the roster. See full story.

Wal-Mart sees December sales ahead of prior forecasts

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. forecast December same-store sales ahead of prior expectations, but it's unclear whether the No. 1 retailer will be able to reverse its sagging fortunes. See full story.

David Callaway: Top 10 market stories for 2007

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Those who follow the prophecies of 16th century astrologer Nostradamus will note that 2007 is the beginning of the period he predicted will be the "Time of Troubles," where an antichrist will rise up and World War III will begin. See full story.

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. (MarketWatch) -- Last year our readers worried about a meltdown. Wall Street's gurus merely underestimated, with an 8% prediction. The market went up 15%. This year the guessing game has gurus predicting no recession and a bull running for a fifth year. See full story.

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